China completes first controlled recovery of orbital-class rocket booster
China has reported its first successful controlled recovery of an orbital-class rocket booster after a Long March 10B launch in southern China. The booster returned vertically and was recovered on an offshore platform, according to state broadcaster CCTV. The test is being presented as a step toward reusable rockets and a sign of progress in a field long dominated by US companies.The Long March 10B lifted off from the Hainan commercial space launch site on Friday. About six minutes after the booster separated from the upper stage, it came back down in a controlled descent and was retrieved at sea.... [Continue Reading]
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